Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Many patients may be familiar with what orthotics are, but did you know there are different kinds? Essentially, orthotics are shoe inserts that can help relieve pain or correct deformities in the foot. There are two broad categories of orthotics. There are custom orthotics and over-the-counter orthotics. The former kind is custom-made by a podiatrist to fit your foot precisely, while the latter is not. Some patients are curious as to whether they should choose to wear custom or over-the-counter orthotics. There are several factors to consider when making this decision. For example, an individual might consider the fact that custom orthotics can generally be worn for longer periods because they have a long durable life. Also, custom-made orthotics can sometimes be more costly than over-the-counter orthotics because they are specifically designed for your foot. An individual might consider that over-the-counter orthotics are mostly widely accessible. If you are someone that is looking to choose a kind of orthotic, it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist for more information.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Many people will experience heel pain at some point in their lives. There are various reasons why heel pain can develop, and it may gradually become worse if prompt medical attention is not received. A common cause of heel pain is the foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis. This happens when the plantar fascia becomes torn or inflamed. This can be a runner’s worst nightmare, and running is often stopped until treatment is completed. Heel pain and the corresponding conditions that caused it may be prevented by losing weight, if applicable, and maintaining healthy eating habits. Additionally, it is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes, and this may include choosing shoes that have a low and cushioned heel. If you have heel pain for any reason, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine the cause and offer correct treatment procedures.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Foot massage is a form of foot therapy, and many people enjoy having their feet massaged at the end of the day. The benefits include relaxation, and it may help to relieve muscle aches. Therapists who perform foot massages may start with a warm-up twist. This is done by placing the palms on the sides of the feet while pushing one side back and the other side forward. This is a helpful technique in preparing the feet to be further massaged. The arch can be massaged by holding the foot with one hand and rubbing the arch with the other. The heel and the ball of the foot can also be incorporated into this massage technique. Massaging the toes may help to increase flexibility, and this is accomplished by holding the heel of the foot with one hand while bending the toes back and forth with the other. If you would like additional information about the benefits of foot massage, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.
Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Most Common Injuries
People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track.
What to Do When Injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Exercising your feet regularly can improve your foot health and prevent injuries. Walking is the best form of exercise for the feet because it puts them through a full range of motion. Walking is also one of the best forms of exercise for the entire body in that it improves cardiovascular health, helps circulation, increases muscle tone, and enhances mood. Flexibility and resistance exercises can also help keep feet healthy. Flexibility or foot stretching exercises help keep feet limber. Resistance exercises are where one strengthens the muscles of the feet by working them against some form of resistance, such as weights or exercise bands. If you would like to learn more about exercises for your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist, an expert in everything related to the feet and ankles.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
The majority of hospitals implement fall prevention strategies. Studies suggest that falls may be overlooked, mainly because the patients are admitted for other reasons. If a fall occurs in the hospital, a promising recovery may take longer than expected. Patients may prefer to stay in bed as it may be safer than walking through corridors. However, mobility and strength can be increased when walking is done as often as possible. It is beneficial for hospitals to have employees learn how to protect patients from falling as each patient is unique. Some patients can fall as a result of mental status or from medications that put them at a higher risk for falls. Unanticipated falls can include people who suddenly experience a stroke or seizure, and different fall prevention protocols are often put in place. If you or a loved one would like to learn more fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you reach out to a podiatrist who can provide you with helpful tips.
Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.
Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.
How to Prevent Falls
Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:
Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot corns and calluses are small areas of thick, raised, and hardened skin on the feet. These result from excessive friction or pressure on the skin and can cause pain. Calluses generally occur on the soles of the feet, around the toes. They are larger and flatter than corns. Corns tend to be smaller, circular in shape, and yellow or white in color. Corns press into deeper layers of the skin and are usually found on the top, side, or in-between toes. Usually, these come from wearing ill-fitting shoes and doing a lot of walking. Corns and calluses are usually not serious and can be dealt with by practicing good foot hygiene, wearing shoes that fit well, and using shoe inserts. Sometimes, medicine is required, and if they become infected or cause ulcers, surgery might also be necessary. If you have corns or calluses that do not respond to better foot care and footwear, and if they appear to be worsening, it is wise to see a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment suggestions.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Caring for a senior, whether you are a professional caretaker or a loved one, can be challenging for many different reasons. One reason is that maintaining the health of a senior’s feet can be particularly difficult. This is due to the fact that an individual becomes increasingly more susceptible to foot complications as they get older. Bringing the senior citizen to the podiatrist is undoubtedly the most effective way for you to ensure the protection of the senior’s foot health. Upon examination of their feet, the podiatrist may make a variety of different recommendations. For example, a podiatrist may suggest a tool is used which can make it easier for senior citizens to clean their own feet. A foot scrubber may help to achieve this goal. Some types of foot scrubbers resemble shoes and stay on the floor. They contain bristles that can clean the feet when they are moved back and forth over the bristles. If you are caring for a senior citizen, please schedule an appointment today with a podiatrist.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Sesamoiditis is a foot condition that develops when the sesamoid bones in the balls of the feet become inflamed and irritated. If you cycle a great deal during your exercise routine, you might be putting yourself at risk of developing sesamoiditis. Specifically, the sesamoid bones might rupture if the stress from cycling is too great on the feet. There are several ways in which you might work with a medical professional like a podiatrist to treat this problem. For example, you might treat this problem by simply cycling with more supportive footwear. Alternatively, your podiatrist might even recommend wearing orthotic devices of some kind to mitigate the effects of sesamoiditis during cycling. If you are a cyclist and are experiencing some kind of sesamoiditis, contact a podiatrist today for treatment.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
